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The Secret of NIMH
The Secret of NIMH
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The Secret of NIMH

The Secret of NIMH

1982
Drama, Family/Kids
1h 22m
To save her ill son, a field mouse must seek the aid of a colony of super-intelligent rats, in whom she has a deeper link to than she ever suspected. (imdb)

Directed by:

Don Bluth

Screenwriter:

Don Bluth, Gary Goldman, John Pomeroy, Robert C. O'Brien

Starring:

Dom DeLuise, Paul Shenar, Derek Jacobi, Wil Wheaton, Shannen Doherty, John Carradine, Hermione Baddeley, Elizabeth Hartman, Arthur Malet, Peter Strauss, Jodi Hicks, Ian Fried

Genres:

Drama, Family/Kids, Fantasy, Animation

Country:

USA

Language:

English
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The Secret of NIMH

1982
Drama, Family/Kids
1h 22m
Your probable score
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer
Avg Percentile 59.56% from 1279 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews Cast Collections Similar Stats Trailer

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luna6ixLuna6ix
Rated 09 Nov 2018
82
81st
Bluth had a string of classic cartoons in the 80's, ones that foreshadow the success of Pixar in the 21st century by marrying children's animation and characters with adult themes in a way that is suitable for all audiences. This one leans a little more into adult territory without being inappropriate for kids, something I can appreciate rewatching as I've grown.
Rated 09 Nov 2018
cagedwisdomcagedwisdom
Rated 16 Apr 2009
100
90th
I'm sure I read some sort of graphic novel adaptation of this as a child which was more visually stunning, and its images and story have haunted me for a decade without me being able to place them. Can't believe I found this film, which is equally good.. I haven't found information on a graphic novel anywhere, but I'm 100% sure that I read this in book form, yet it was more image than text-based still. I don't know, but I do know this is one of the best animations I've seen in my life. Haunting.
Rated 16 Apr 2009
recklessmessrecklessmess
Rated 12 Feb 2008
90
97th
I remember seeing this as a kid. It's a cartoon. It's a very dark cartoon. I don't recommend seeing this as a kid.
Rated 12 Feb 2008
moribunnyMoribunny
Rated 11 Apr 2007
68
70th
This blew me away when I first watched it as a kid, and I think much of its magic came from its being so drenched in tragedy. Bluth's decision not to spare from his very young audience the harsh facts of life - loss of loved ones, disaster, death and disease - took some guts. Aside from that, the film is cute and charming and has great animation and great music.
Rated 11 Apr 2007
hellboy76hellboy76
Rated 25 Sep 2010
70
79th
Another childhood favorite of mine, has a different feel from most animated films for children. A real sense of dread at times.
Rated 25 Sep 2010
martrynmartryn
Rated 30 Nov 2009
79
74th
Bloody amazing animation from the early 80's. Story is a classic, and this movie does a great job in retelling it. They don't make them like this anymore, which is a real shame.
Rated 30 Nov 2009
katjekatje
Rated 02 Jul 2008
90
97th
I still adore this. I can almost touch the cobwebs in the owl's-nest from my memories as a child alone.
Rated 02 Jul 2008
cinematicespCinematicESP
Rated 13 Sep 2007
63
9th
The story and characters are kinda weak. It doesn't spend too much time developing either. I will say I love the visuals and the world Don Bluth creates in this film.
Rated 13 Sep 2007
bratingsbratings
Rated 20 Nov 2016
90
78th
The Secret of NIMH is incredibly dark, but moving, and one of the finest animated films from the 1980s.
Rated 20 Nov 2016
peaceanarchyPeaceAnarchy
Rated 25 Aug 2012
84
77th
A nice children's film with dark edges and a decent story. The lead character is very well developed and likeable, which helps smooth the edges.
Rated 25 Aug 2012
mwgerbmwgerb
Rated 18 Jul 2012
62
70th
Don Bluth's animation is wonderfully, delightfully emotive, and it elevates the entire film. Unfortunately, it ends up being one of the least cartoonish elements, compared to the magical happenings and stereotypical villain, which prevent this from being more than a very good children's film. While this should certainly be commended for its nostalgia-inducing nature, its outstanding visuals, and its unwillingness to shy away from tragedy, I'd love to see Bluth's work on an even better story.
Rated 18 Jul 2012
okkervilOkkervil
Rated 01 Apr 2012
57
46th
If made today this short, rather sweet animation would probably be a good 20 minutes longer. This would probably be both a blessing & curse in different ways. I can see why many like this so much, but in reality I found it quite underwhelming. What I did like however was the strength of all the characters, particuarly the central character of Mrs. Brisby. There is a hint of darkness about it to, not as much as some say, & my lasting impression is of a sweet, mildly affecting childs movie.
Rated 01 Apr 2012
actionbergActionberg
Rated 20 Jun 2011
75
59th
Inspired by a distant, hazy childhood impression of this movie, I dove in to discover that it is as weird and unique as I remember. Having not read the books, I was entranced by the creative directions the that the story took, and while at times the pacing was awkward in its brief running time, its plot still stands above the majority of kids' animated films. The animation is at times majestically dark, and others straight-up psychedelic. Flawed, but unique.
Rated 20 Jun 2011
greatscott85GreatScott85
Rated 30 Apr 2011
88
65th
A fantastic little animated marvel.
Rated 30 Apr 2011
weaselgreaseWeaselgrease
Rated 10 Apr 2010
95
87th
Good story, great character development, fantastic animation. Why is it I have to look this far back in time to find a GOOD movie?
Rated 10 Apr 2010
frederFreder
Rated 25 Mar 2009
75
63rd
Don Bluth's first independent feature and also, by far, his best. It went steadily downhil from here, and how sad, because this movie positioned him as a serious threat to Disney.
Rated 25 Mar 2009
melvin_smifMelvin Smif
Rated 10 Feb 2009
35
37th
Loved the book as a kid but never really liked this adaptation.
Rated 10 Feb 2009
krmrkrmr
Rated 10 Dec 2008
63
17th
The actual "Secret of NIMH" could have been taken out of the movie and nothing would have changed whatsoever. Which goes to show how weak the story is, the whole thing probably could have been told just as well in 20 minutes. Not to mention the first 15 minutes were annoying as hell, I felt like turning the damn thing off after the tenth time Mrs. Brisby yelled out "Mr. Ages!" I usually don't mind Dom DeLuise, but I couldn't stand the damn bird.
Rated 10 Dec 2008
scottathonScottathon
Rated 10 Aug 2008
56
17th
I've always had fleeting memories of mice and needles from this that terrified me as a child. While the animation is stunning, which is usually the case from Bluth, this recent rewatching solidifies my opinion that he has a difficult time on deciding which audience he's trying to reach.
Rated 10 Aug 2008
ozymandius10ozymandius10
Rated 26 Jun 2008
78
69th
The movie's got a really dark feel, and the animation reflects that perfectly. It actually holds up pretty well from my childhood, and the only major complaint I have is that it wraps up *very* quickly (though this is nothing new with even decent animated movies, *cough*Miyazaki*cough*). Definitely recommended.
Rated 26 Jun 2008
muutanetmuutanet
Rated 12 Feb 2008
79
82nd
A beautiful Don Bluth story.
Rated 12 Feb 2008
shephardShephard
Rated 29 Oct 2007
94
97th
Magical! Well-animated and designed with an excellent voice cast and several good laughs. Charming and engaging, possessing a real sense of conflict and triumph. Great comedic timing as well. Under-appreciated.
Rated 29 Oct 2007
bbbdBBBD
Rated 14 Aug 2007
86
78th
This movie rocked my world as a kid. I loved it. When I got older (middle school), I realized the movie was based on a book, so I read it, and it was even better than the movie. But still, the movie itself is great, and from what I remember back then, it is faithful to the book.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
maddogmaddog
Rated 22 Jun 2007
97
99th
Quite dark in tone for an animated children's movie of the 1980's, some will consider Nimh Don Bluth's crown achievement. The voice acting is solid, the animation is fairly good for the time period, and the story, while not utterly complex, is still engrossing enough to keep your attention. You may find you appreciate it more as an adult than you did as a child.
Rated 22 Jun 2007
billyshearsBillyShears
Rated 11 Aug 2021
80
77th
Ah yes the beginning of the Don Bluth collection of traumatizing childhood movies - I refuse to revisit All Dogs go to Heaven and The Land Before Time. The detail in the animation is terrific. Mrs Brisby :’) Lol at being the farmer in the secret of nimh, you go out back at night for something and see rats in clothes sword fighting
Rated 11 Aug 2021
glenn_nygardGlenn Nygard
Rated 09 Jan 2020
30
48th
What makes this film stick with you is not how dark its bleakest moments get, but rather how mellow even its lightest moments remain. Its a film not afraid of going dark, however even its happiest scenes has an undercurrent of uncertainty and fear that's uncharacteristic even in the films that inspired it.
Rated 09 Jan 2020
pratchett3Pratchett3
Rated 07 Apr 2018
4
10th
another don bluth animated film where all the characters are constantly just sad or menaced by something and the whole thing just makes you feel kind of bad. also this magical amulet thing, what is that, where did it come from, nobody knows because don bluth was busy tying off in the bathroom. the climactic sword fight was incredibly badass though, probably one of the best sword fights on film, I'm being 100% serious.
Rated 07 Apr 2018
kingjohnbbqKingjohnbbq
Rated 22 Dec 2016
94
79th
Brilliant animation, thought provoking narrative, Adult themes. What happened to all these gritty old cartoons? They need to make more of these type of films.
Rated 22 Dec 2016
eternalegacyEternaLegacy
Rated 29 Mar 2016
83
43rd
amazing movie
Rated 29 Mar 2016
wicklebeeWicklebee
Rated 11 Jul 2015
50
44th
Nice for most, but dumb way to do the ending and the bird infuriated me.
Rated 11 Jul 2015
boxcarsBoxcars
Rated 18 May 2015
8
71st
"The Secret of NIMH" is a picture that appeals to every audience due to the respect afforded through its dark and intelligently written story that also manages to be utterly heart-warming and wonderfully animated; Don Bluth's best show.
Rated 18 May 2015
judicaretjudicaret
Rated 07 May 2015
81
76th
Wow. I can't even think of where to compare this animation with. Interesting mix of dark and humanly likeable.
Rated 07 May 2015
vengefulkbmVengefulKBM
Rated 09 Feb 2015
85
85th
A Don Bluth classic of the highest order, and the movie that established him as a force to be reckoned with. The ending has always felt rushed to me, but apart from that, everything's spot-on, and I LOVE Mrs. Brisby as a main character. Honestly more accessible for adults than for children.
Rated 09 Feb 2015
nepetaNepeta
Rated 01 Jul 2014
55
22nd
Not the biggest fan, but I do like how dark Bluth is willing to take it. The ending is one of the more annoying deus ex machinas I've seen.
Rated 01 Jul 2014
nothingsnothings
Rated 24 Feb 2014
58
41st
books better yo
Rated 24 Feb 2014
skyhorseSKYHORSE
Rated 22 Jan 2014
7
67th
watched when i was todd
Rated 22 Jan 2014
myfavchordsmyfavchords
Rated 07 Jan 2014
75
50th
This is an original animated film that has a unique kind of plot. There are some fun moments and some serious ones during the movie. The voice work by the actors is well done. I would recommend this different animated film.
Rated 07 Jan 2014
mattorama12mattorama12
Rated 18 Sep 2013
63
42nd
Good looking animation and strong main characters make this one of the stronger animation films. It's not quite as good nor as "dark" as many say, though. That said, it is certainly darker than most of the sugarcoated Disney fare (which isn't a knock on those films at all).
Rated 18 Sep 2013
talonmalontalonmalon
Rated 29 Jun 2013
80
57th
A movie made during Don Bluth's early, golden years. The Secret of NIMH is a charming movie that's not afraid to go a little dark. The animation is excellent, and some of the characters are downright scary.
Rated 29 Jun 2013
cmatthewscmatthews
Rated 09 Apr 2013
84
83rd
beautifully animated and the story is profoundly memorable
Rated 09 Apr 2013
sirrobbieSirRobbie
Rated 13 Mar 2013
70
53rd
It was a little bit too dark for me. The animation and backgrounds were wonderful, though.
Rated 13 Mar 2013
damildamil
Rated 09 Jul 2012
70
67th
I thought it was pretty good. The plot of animals being under threat from ignorant humans has been done to death, but I still found it reasonably compelling here. The animation was decent and although the voice-work did feel slightly awkward at times, it was still good. It had the token comic relief character and all that, but I was surprised at the amount of genuine emotion in the film. I felt for the characters. It was also a little darker than your typical children's film, which I liked.
Rated 09 Jul 2012
the_pirateThe Pirate
Rated 17 Apr 2012
75
42nd
Needless to say, and yet still, I shall say it: the book is so much better. I'd really like to see a remake where they cut the fantasy and focus on the subject matter.
Rated 17 Apr 2012
theaceoffiretheaceoffire
Rated 16 Mar 2012
85
51st
Believable characters, a compelling story line, and great art direction.
Rated 16 Mar 2012
jkathrensjkathrens
Rated 14 Oct 2010
69
42nd
Loved the book, so wasn't nearly as enthralled by its adaptation as I might have been. But then I was probably also a little too old for this by the time I finally saw it.
Rated 14 Oct 2010
nick_cNick C.
Rated 26 Jul 2010
95
52nd
Don Bluth's first film after animating for Disney was easily the best of his work, great story, superb animation, and great song at the end, plus this is so suspenceful and creepy sometimes.
Rated 26 Jul 2010
ytadelYtadel
Rated 19 Aug 2009
6
71st
There's something fascinatingly retro about Don Bluth animation (even more so than equally old Disney animation), and the film has a level of intensity and creepiness that's laudable coming from a kids movie. However, it ends with a big old deus ex machina and we spend a lot of time on the bird character who has no third act payoff.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
faloozaFalooza
Rated 17 Jun 2009
70
55th
This movie still manages to frighten me, even as an adult. Its very intense.
Rated 17 Jun 2009
mohkoMohko
Rated 11 Jun 2009
70
61st
Looks amazing and has great atmosphere. Story isn't at the same level though. Too bad they don't make animations like this anymore.
Rated 11 Jun 2009
kahKAH
Rated 30 Apr 2009
3
74th
A childhood favorite that stills holds up.
Rated 30 Apr 2009
etherielEtheriel
Rated 09 Dec 2008
28
27th
Read the book instead.
Rated 09 Dec 2008
garlonussGarlonuss
Rated 16 Oct 2008
92
94th
This is a bit dark and definitely not one of those happy-go-lucky cartoons, but children will love it.
Rated 16 Oct 2008
vandelay1Vandelay1
Rated 27 Jun 2008
90
97th
Great
Rated 27 Jun 2008
mistersplicemistersplice
Rated 11 Nov 2007
90
96th
- excellent :: I might be slightly biased by the book, which I also like quite a lot.
Rated 11 Nov 2007
icarusIcarus
Rated 21 Oct 2007
89
87th
Few animated films have a look as stunning as NIMH. From the fluid movement of characters to the beautifully detailed backgrounds, the film constantly delights the eyes. I've got no real problem with the magic or the origin of the stone, as the rats have in many ways surpassed their human creators. The film does spend a bit too much of its run time enhancing the feeling of desperate peril, but otherwise, this remains one of my favorite pieces of animation.
Rated 21 Oct 2007
dustydDustyd
Rated 17 Sep 2007
75
79th
good
Rated 17 Sep 2007
thedenizenTheDenizen
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
63rd
WAY dark for a kid's movie. Cute little animals die.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
tripleshTripleSH
Rated 14 Aug 2007
70
53rd
An excellent adaptation of a book of which I have fond memories.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
keauKeau
Rated 11 Dec 2006
70
64th
One of my favorite cartoon films as a kid
Rated 11 Dec 2006
filliganFilligan
Rated 24 Nov 2006
78
37th
Don Bluth was a fearless animation director. I can't tell you how much the dark themes explored in his films - losing a parent, losing a family - fucked me up as a child, but I commend him for it more than anything. No one else has dared to portray death and terror so unabashedly in a film marketed to kids and still managed to get a G rating. NIMH itself suffers from some pacing issues during the rising action, but overall it's one to pass down to the generations.
Rated 24 Nov 2006
madmanMadMan
Rated 18 Dec 2024
92
76th
You have a rat sword fight, a loveable crow, parts that would be at home in a horror movie, and plenty of gloriously nightmare fuel moments. I loved this upon seeing it as an adult, had I viewed this as a kid it would have become one of my favorite movies.
Rated 18 Dec 2024
rihreyrihrey
Rated 24 Nov 2023
58
73rd
Ended up enjoying this way more than I thought I would at first. It's really cute.
Rated 24 Nov 2023
omniavanitasOmniaVanitas
Rated 24 Oct 2023
3
43rd
Visually gorgeous and sentimental in a good way. Unlike many films I enjoyed as a kid, it's consistently good all the way through and a pleasant way to spend an hour and a half, both nostalgically and for its own sake. The biggest weakness in this film is that the pace feels a bit rushed, and a longer run time would have been good to fully flesh it out.
Rated 24 Oct 2023
dieeinzigeDieEinzige
Rated 24 Oct 2023
50
29th
This film really needed to be longer. It feels like taking a mild amount of weed, where you still have a train of thought but everything feels a bit disjointed and floaty.
Rated 24 Oct 2023
shockularSHOCKULAR
Rated 26 Aug 2023
78
66th
Charming, well animated classic that I hadn't gotten to see before now.
Rated 26 Aug 2023
jsoundsJSounds
Rated 11 Apr 2023
70
55th
Kinda cute, kinda weird, but I loved how dark and somewhat disturbing it got at times.
Rated 11 Apr 2023
glumpy99glumpy_99
Rated 07 Dec 2022
63
24th
Far more bleak and challenging than Bluth’s later films, but there’s nothing inherently appealing (or particularly interesting) in the story being told, or these characters who all fall on the side of pretty dreary. The animation itself is terrific, certainly rivalling “golden age” Disney, but the ultimately oppressive unpleasantness does it in.
Rated 07 Dec 2022
tpbradburytpbradbury
Rated 24 Aug 2022
50
41st
Remember it was good, as a child
Rated 24 Aug 2022
amazedemonamazedemon
Rated 14 Jun 2021
66
70th
Had I watched The Secret of NIMH as a child, I would likely cite the film as a classic or at least a curiosity that I would want to revisit. As it stands, watching it for the 1st time as an adult, the film's charms are apparent with a unique plot that edges into darker territory and enduring themes of courage and the lengths a mother would go to to protect her children. Both the animation and voice acting feel a little dated, particularly when it almost feels like narration, but are still good.
Rated 14 Jun 2021
ofterdingenOfterdingen
Rated 23 May 2021
65
66th
Dark, spacey, and probably the best Don Bluth feature.
Rated 23 May 2021
onacOnac
Rated 21 Feb 2020
84
89th
Have you ever wondered as a child what lies beneath a bush of roses? Have you ever peaked into burrows or holes on trees and wondered what kind of secret worlds the animals could have there? Hiding in small places far from our sight. This childhood fantasy is the basis of this fantastic cartoon where animals live among humans, but in secret they have their own mysterious world and yet the protagonist is just an ordinary mother who wants to save her children. I can recommend it to everyone.
Rated 21 Feb 2020
kasperlKasperL
Rated 19 Oct 2019
75
77th
A very cool little fantasy tale from Bluth. I can't believe it took my so long to get around to finally watching it, but I'll definitely watch it again.
Rated 19 Oct 2019
ceekay19Ceekay19
Rated 20 May 2019
60
27th
Nicodemus: "Courage of the heart is very rare. The stone has a power when it's there."
Rated 20 May 2019
arossaross
Rated 21 Nov 2016
73
46th
Good for a non-disney animated movie from this area, although that is a low bar. very dark!
Rated 21 Nov 2016
war_machineWar Machine
Rated 12 Mar 2016
74
63rd
6yearssinceescape+ithinknicodemustalkingtoherhusbandjonathan+timothysick+crowtiedup+catDragon+3otherkidsandtheiraunt+movingdaycuztractor+dopeowlguidescuzJwife+Jgotthemoutthendied+NIMHmutatedthem-intelligent/read-slowedaging+powerhungryratkillsN-gooncouldntbringselftohelp+nicemousebeatsVrat-sneakattack-goonVmortallywoundedkillsV+Jnecklacestonepowersaveshouse/kids+clumsygirlcrowbumpsintocrow-finallygf
Rated 12 Mar 2016
kiralioKiralio
Rated 18 Aug 2010
40
30th
2/5
Rated 18 Aug 2010
djrossdjross
Rated 14 Aug 2007
50
44th
Score based on very distant memory.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
slrsoapboxSlrSoapbox
Rated 13 Jan 2007
80
75th
Like many of Bluth's other features, this is a children's film that doesn't shy away from some genuinely disturbing scenes and that's commendable. The scene where Mrs. Brisby visits the owl still freaks me out. On the downside, the ending was too much of a deus ex machina (I've heard that the magic amulet wasn't in the original story?) and the crow character annoyed the hell out of me, but luckily is not terribly important to the story in the first place.
Rated 13 Jan 2007
sw0sw0
Rated 13 Dec 2006
77
53rd
great book
Rated 13 Dec 2006

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